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Nanovectors Design for Theranostic Applications in Colorectal Cancer
Riccardo Rampado1,2, Sara Crotti2, Paolo Caliceti3
1First Surgical Clinic Section, Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, University of Padua, Via Nicolò Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padua, Italy.
Abstract:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a diffused disease with limited therapeutic options, none of which are often curative. Based on the molecular markers and targets expressed by the affected tissues, numerous novel approaches have been developed to study and treat this disease. In particular, the field of nanotechnology offers an astonishingly wide array of innovative nanovectors with high versatility and adaptability for both diagnosis and therapy (the so called "theranostic platforms"). However, such complexity can make the selection of a specific nanocarrier model to study a perplexing endeavour for the biomedical scientist or clinician not familiar with this field of inquiry. This review offers a comprehensive overview of this wide body of knowledge, in order to outline the essential requirements for the clinical viability evaluation of a nanovector model in CRC. In particular, the differences among the foremost designs, their specific advantages, and technological caveats will be treated, never forgetting the ultimate endpoint for these systems development: the clinical practice.
Insights
This review explores nanotechnology for colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment, focusing on nanovector platforms for diagnosis and therapy. It guides researchers in selecting viable nanocarrier models for clinical application.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents limited curative therapeutic options.
- Novel treatment strategies are being developed based on molecular markers.
- Nanotechnology offers versatile nanovectors for CRC diagnosis and therapy (theranostic platforms).
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of nanovector models for CRC.
- To outline essential requirements for evaluating the clinical viability of nanovectors.
- To clarify differences, advantages, and caveats of various nanocarrier designs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current nanotechnology applications in CRC.
- Analysis of different nanovector designs and their characteristics.
- Evaluation of criteria for clinical translation of nanomedicine.
Main Results:
- Nanovectors offer significant potential for targeted CRC diagnosis and therapy.
- Selection of appropriate nanocarrier models requires careful consideration of design and function.
- Technological caveats and essential requirements for clinical viability are identified.
Conclusions:
- Nanotechnology presents promising theranostic platforms for colorectal cancer.
- A structured approach is needed to evaluate nanovector clinical viability.
- The ultimate goal is the successful clinical implementation of nanomedicine for CRC treatment.
